Community Rights Statement: Petition for Financial Transparency and Leadership Accountability

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The Brunswick House First Nation (BHFN) community members hold fundamental rights in governance, financial transparency, and decision-making participation. These rights are upheld through the Code of Conduct and the Oath of Office, which ensure leadership accountability and ethical governance.

 1. Right to Decision-Making Participation
Code of Conduct (1.4 - Ties to Community Development Strategy, 2.2 - Pledge, 3.9 - Due Process, Oath of Office)

Members have the right to be included in governance decisions through consultation and participation in discussions that impact the community.
Leadership must ensure decision-making is transparent, strategic, and community-driven (1.4).
Members have the right to expect fair decision-making processes that follow established rules, policies, and motions (3.9).
Leaders pledge to govern with integrity, listen to community input, and serve the best interests of the People (2.2, Oath of Office).
 

 2. Right to Consultation
Code of Conduct (1.4 - Community Development, 3.6.2 - No Interference, Oath of Office)

Members have the right to be consulted before any major policies or community decisions are enacted.
Leadership must engage in open discussions, general meetings, and formal consultations to hear members' concerns.
The Chief and Council must not interfere in the execution of duties related to community programs but must facilitate communication between administration and the People (3.6.2).
The Oath of Office commits leaders to fair governance, ethical leadership, and respect for community consultation processes.
 

 3. Right to Financial Transparency
Code of Conduct (2.2 - Pledge, 4.1.l - Chief’s Duties, Oath of Office)

Members have the right to clear, accurate, and timely financial disclosures regarding Band funds, budgets, and spending.
Leadership must report all new financial acquisitions to the community in a timely manner (4.1.l).
The Oath of Office requires leaders to act with honesty, transparency, and accountability in all financial dealings.
 

 4. Right to Access Information on Council Decisions
Code of Conduct (2.2 - Pledge, 3.9 - Due Process, Oath of Office)

Members have the right to access records of Council decisions, meeting minutes, and governance policies.
The Chief and Council must ensure that decisions are documented and available for review (2.2, 3.9).
Leaders commit to honest communication and full disclosure of governance activities in the Oath of Office.
 

 5. Right to Equitable Resource Distribution
Code of Conduct (4.1.k - Chief’s Duties, Final Page - Leadership Commitments, Oath of Office)

Members have the right to fair and equal access to community services, resources, and funding.
Leadership is responsible for securing, managing, and distributing resources for the benefit of all members (4.1.k).
The Oath of Office requires leaders to act in fairness, without favouritism or personal gain, ensuring resources serve the collective well-being.
 

 6. Right to Be Informed of New Funds and Developments
Code of Conduct (4.1.l - Chief’s Duties, 2.2 - Pledge, Oath of Office)

Members must be promptly informed of any new funding acquired and how it will be allocated for community programs and services (4.1.l).
Leadership must ensure financial information is readily available and accessible to all members (2.2).
The Oath of Office reinforces the obligation to report truthfully and act with financial integrity.
 

 7. Enforcement and Accountability
Code of Conduct (5.1 - Breach of Duties, 5.1.4 - Disciplinary Actions, Oath of Office)

If leadership fails to uphold these rights, community members may:

Request a formal review of decisions, policies, and financial disclosures.
Call for mediation, tribunals, or votes of non-confidence (5.1.4).
Expect disciplinary action against leaders who breach their duties, including suspension or removal (5.1).
The Oath of Office requires leaders to accept accountability for their actions and uphold the trust of the community.
 

This Community Rights Statement affirms that governance must be transparent, ethical, and community-centred. The Code of Conduct and Oath of Office provide clear expectations for leadership and ensure that members' rights to participation, consultation, financial transparency, and resource fairness are protected.

We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, including the members of Brunswick House First Nation, both on-reserve and off-reserve, as well as those engaged online, demand that the leadership of Brunswick House First Nation take immediate action to ensure the rights of community members are respected and upheld, including financial transparency, leadership accountability, and the development of community-driven programs that are fair, transparent, and inclusive for all members of the Brunswick House First Nation.